Lynx Family
Complete Lynx family of focusers.Lynx Family Focusers
The Optec Lynx Family of focusers includes the FocusLynx, ThirdLynx and TCF-S LSI models. The FocusLynx software and drivers works for all members of the family.
FocusLynx Software
FocusLynx Commander, ASCOM driver and Alpaca driver. Supports the FocusLynx, ThirdLynx and LSI families of focusers. All drivers are multi-instance, they can support multiple focusers at the same time.
- Latest Release: 3.3.3
- Release Date: 2023/09/06
- Documentation
| Name | Requirements | Download | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FocusLynx ASCOM Driver | Windows 7+, .Net 4.8, ASCOM Platform 6.5 SP1 and above | Download | |
| FocusLynx Alpaca Driver (Windows) | Windows 7+ | Download | |
| FocusLynx Linux Alpaca Driver (AMD64) | Linux with AMD64 CPU. AppImage support. | Download | |
| FocusLynx Linux Alpaca Driver (armhf) | Linux with armhf CPU. Tested on Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu | Download | |
| FocusLynx Linux Alpaca Driver (aarch64) | Linux with aarch64 CPU. Tested on Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu | Download |
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3.3.3 | 2023/09/06 | Fixed issue with serial port number collisions |
| 3.3.2 | 2023/08/31 | Fixed issue with serial port id read |
| 3.3.1 | 2023/04/03 | Displays serial type when available |
| Faster loads on Windows | ||
| Allow Firmware Updates without verifying connection | ||
| Fixed incorrect version being returned to ASCOM Clients | ||
| Fixed issue with ThirdLynx firmware update tool | ||
| Fixed Alpaca issue with Homing Focusers and Max Position | ||
| Updated to latest version of ASCOM Libraries | ||
| 3.3.0 | 2022/12/20 | Added KeyPad to FocusLynx Commander |
| Updated libraries | ||
| Fixed a thrown exception when no probe was present | ||
| Improved automatic connection recovery | ||
| 3.2.8 | 2021/05/24 | Added detection for TCF-S Classic devices |
| Allow Sagitta Focusers to set maximum position | ||
| 3.2.7 | 2021/01/06 | Updated to latest FocusLynx support |
| Added support for new device types | ||
| Improved logging | ||
| Added support for Home On Start | ||
| 3.2.3 | 2020/07/16 | Fixed an issue with unit conversions in FocusLynx Commander |
| 3.2.2 | 2020/07/02 | Fixed issue with Temp Comp settings and some computers |
| 3.2.1 | 2020/06/05 | Added more support for the LSI |
| 3.2.0 | 2020/05/22 | Updated device type descriptors for clarity with non-Optec motors. |
| 3.1.0 | 2019/06/27 | Major release |
| Added support for the new Thirdlynx devices | ||
| Added support for ASCOM Alpaca | ||
| Added support for multiple hubs | ||
| Added support for dynamic ASCOM drivers | ||
| 2.1.2 | 2018/04/05 | Added new device type TCF Long Travel |
| Fixed issue with the setup dialog and unknown device types | ||
| New and improved setup dialog | ||
| 2.1.1 | 2018/03/15 | Fixed an issue where some old firmware could not be updated with the firmware update tool |
| Changed message if temperature compensation could not start. | ||
| 2.1.0 | 2018/02/22 | Added improved error messages for connection failures |
| Added reboot button to firmware update tool | ||
| Updated Static IP to use new functions | ||
| Fixed internationalization issue in temperature offset | ||
| Fixed one case where it takes 2 tries to reconnect after a failure | ||
| Fixed issue where it shows both focusers connected while reconnecting | ||
| Reduced logging the absence of WiFi boards. | ||
| Improved firmware update tool | ||
| 2.0.8 | 2018/01/04 | Now supports UDP search for Ethernet and WiFi connected hubs |
| New NightMode for FocusLynx Commander | ||
| Reports on main form and on moves if no device is selected | ||
| Hides WiFi password / key until a show button is pressed | ||
| Can detect, report and automatically fix certain Windows program settings cache issues | ||
| Fixed issue where the status would report disconnected, even when connected | ||
| Fixed issue where both Focusers would be displayed when only one was to be displayed | ||
| 2.0.7 | 2017/12/11 | Cleared up naming for the Leo Hi-Speed option. |
| Added support for automatic reboots for firmware updates. | ||
| Improved WiFi connectivity. (For best results requires MBFW 2.2.2 and WiFi FW1.2.0) | ||
| Added Homed and Homing status messages | ||
| Fixed internationalization bug with temperature offsets | ||
| Fixed bug with temperature offsets functionality | ||
| Added support for new Gen 2 WiFi boards | ||
| Fixed possible crash when resetting WiFi boards | ||
| Fixed an issue with WiFi passwords longer then 16 characters | ||
| 2.0.6 | 2017/07/14 | Added TCF-Leo Hi-Torque focuser option. |
| 2.0.5 | 2017/06/22 | Added support for the Optec LEO Focuser (Requires MBFW 2.1.3) |
| 2.0.4 | 2017/05/04 | Now supports scanning for WiFi (require MBFW 2.1.2 and WiFi FW 1.10) |
| 2.0.3 | 2016/09/14 | Fix an internationalization issue where temperature might not display correctly in 2.0.2. |
| Shows if you have an in/out keypad connected. | ||
| Display if any updates are available at the bottom of the form. | ||
| Better handling of sub-forms with always on top set to true. | ||
| 2.0.2 | 2016/08/31 | Added support for Meade DirectSync Focusers (requires firmware 2.0.2) |
| Fixed several minor UI bugs | ||
| Added auto reconnection capabilities to the Ethernet connection | ||
| Improved Ethernet connectivity* | ||
| *(Note: to get the best performance with Ethernet you will need firmware 2.0.2. Although the enhancements improve the Ethernet experience they are not a replacement for a reliable connection.) | ||
| 2.0.1 | 2016/07/12 | Some messages reworded for clarity |
| Added support for the new LSI Focuser | ||
| Added support for 255 step backlash (requires firmware 2.0.1) | ||
| Absolute Focus Adjust now defaults to the midpoint | ||
| Now keeps some user settings after update | ||
| Updated signatures for Windows 7,8,10 compatibility | ||
| Fixed bug where the status message would display disconnected while (only) focuser 2 was connected | ||
| Fixed bug where if Focuser 2 was the only one displayed starting the setup dialog for Focuser 1 would open the setup dialog for Focuser 2 and vice versa. | ||
| Fixed bug where if Focuser 2 was the only one displayed the menu connects/dis connects would connect/disconnect the wrong focuser | ||
| 2.0.0 | 2015/10/02 | Increased focuser maximum movement range to 999,999 steps |
| Added user defined focuser ranges | ||
| Updated temp comp for homing focusers | ||
| Updated movement speeds for hand controllers | ||
| Added reverse for keypads | ||
| Added the Posidrive focuser | ||
| Added memory checksums and error recovery | ||
| Added detection and message for keypad use | ||
| Updated focuser control webpages | ||
| Added user defined step sizes | ||
| FW, WiFi FW, web pages and commander all synced to version 2.0.0 | ||
| 1.3.5 | 2015/08/26 | Added step size calibration. Improved reverse behavior and connection behavior. |
| 1.3.4 | 2015/03/25 | Added reverse to the FW and SW. |
| 1.3.3 | 2015/03/03 | Bug fix to correct failure for default DHCP Client to pick up valid IP address from DHCP Server upon power up |
| Added compatibility to read the DHCP client state with new firmware v1.0.8, | ||
| Improved parser for backward compatibility with older firmware versions. | ||
| 1.3.2 | 2014/12/12 | Minor communication bug fix, now drops when it should drop. Now changes Home/Sync on main form when focuser type is changed in the settings form. |
| Changed a minor issue where the focuser 2 temperature box flickered. | ||
| 1.3.1 | 2014/11/17 | Bug fixes for wired ethernet Static IP mode. |
| Added user prompt for firmware version update. | ||
| 1.3.0 | 2014/10/28 | Added Static and DHCP IP modes, menus and dialogs. |
| Static IP requires firmware v1.0.7 or higher. | ||
| 1.2.8 | 2014/10/23 | Added default center sync position of 32,766 for non-homing focuser types, |
| Improved layout for Sync/Home Button section of main form, | ||
| Updated FocusLynx Command Processing document to revision 3. | ||
| Updated FocusLynx.chm help file to revision 1.08. | ||
| 1.2.7 | 2014/07/01 | Various property changes to Sync input fields. |
| Renamed Focuser Device Types to reflect motor type. | ||
| Added DirectSync TEC Focuser Type. | ||
| 1.2.6 | 2013/04/24 | Added "Robo-Focus motor" selection using RA focuser profile. |
| Requires Firmware version V1.05 | ||
| 1.2.5 | 2013/03/14 | Changed Focuser Type selection list as follows: |
| Renamed "Starlight FTF Micro-Touch" to "FeatherTouch Motor Hi-Speed" | ||
| Renamed "Starlight MPA/TRF Micro-Touch" to "FeatherTouch Motor Hi-Torque" | ||
| Removed "Starlight FTM SCT Micro-Touch" selection | ||
| Removed "TCF-Lynx ET" extended travel focuser selection | ||
| Added "StellarVue Focuser" option | ||
| 1.2.4 | 2012/12/07 | Set all device types to ASCOM "Absolute" focusers, fixed Sync/Home button in FocusLynx Commander. |
| 1.2.3 | 2012/10/22 | Minor release update should be performed with Firmware update to V1.0.3. |
| Changed Absolute property to return true only if DeviceType[0] equals 'O'. | ||
| Added Sync Units to main form. | ||
| Added new device types for Optec Feathertouch motor assemblies - device types FA, FB and Televue TA | ||
| Renamed focuser designations, added SYNC/HOME to FocusLynx Commander main screen. | ||
| 1.2.2 | 2012/05/23 | Fixed "hanging server" issue by adding driver deconstructors. |
| 1.2.0 | 2012/04/11 | Added controls back in to ASCOM.LocalServer form. |
| Set WindowState to minimize and ShowInTaskbar set to false. | ||
| 1.1.9 | 2012/04/10 | Updated properly formatted help file and pdf. |
| 1.1.8 | 2011/16/11 | Added Sleep statement to receive thread in order to reduce the demand on CPU resources. |
| 1.1.7 | 2011/07/11 | First publicly released version |
Firmware Updates
FocusLynx Firmware
Firmware for the FocusLynx controller hub.
- Latest Release: 2.4.0
- Release Date: 2023/06/02
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4.0 | 2023/06/02 | Fixed issue where a disconnected focuser could report homed until it failed to move |
| 2.3.9 | 2023/04/07 | Fixed issue with Sagitta 2 maximum position |
| 2.3.8 | 2023/01/31 | Improved homing for LEO and FastFocus Focusers |
| Only applies Backlash moves when changing directions | ||
| Improved temp comp for large temperature changes | ||
| 2.3.7 | 2021/05/24 | Added Sagitta 2 |
| Improved temp comp at start | ||
| 2.3.6 | 2021/01/26 | Added support to turn off Home on Start |
| 2.3.5 | 2020/09/28 | Fixed issue where reversed focusers could not move to extremes of range |
| 2.3.4 | 2019/07/23 | Adjusted speed for the Sagitta Off-Axis Guider to increase torque. |
| Added support for the new configuration webpages. | ||
| 2.3.3 | 2019/04/18 | Tuned TCF-Lynx3 motor speeds to improve sound and reduce vibration. |
| 2.3.2 | 2019/02/26 | Added device type OK, Sagitta Off-Axis Guider. |
| Changed backlash compensation behaviour. When active, BLC now only occurs with outward movements after a change in direction rather than on every outward move. | ||
| 2.3.0 | 2018/07/11 | Added device type OC, the TCF Long Travel Focuser |
| Changed temperature compensation for the Leo focusers | ||
| Changed temperature compensation values to default to 0 | ||
| Fixed bug where Sync would not return the correct message | ||
| Fixed issue where Leo focusers could fail to home from position 0 | ||
| 2.2.3 | 2018/01/05 | Increased Ethernet ram. |
| Fixed temperature compensation bug. | ||
| Removed Security Key for compatibility reasons | ||
| 2.2.2 | 2017/08/30 | Added code to detect if a FastFocus and a Leo are switched or have their device type set incorrectl |
| 2.2.1 | 2017/8/17 | Adjusted Leo Hi-Torque and Hi-Speed settings to better handle colder temperatures |
| Added code to halt FastFocus upon home if the switch is not detected | ||
| Added checks for disconnected cables and homing focusers | ||
| 2.2.0 | 2017/8/09 | Added support for TCF-LEO Hi-Torque Mode |
| Added REBOOT Command | ||
| Added check for disconnected FastFocus and Leo models | ||
| Majorly reduced ping time | ||
| Majorly reduced command processing time | ||
| Majorly improved Ethernet recovery | ||
| Fixed a save issue that could occur when halting and rebooting without moving again | ||
| Fixed a blocking issue in home switch | ||
| 2.1.3 | 2017/7/11 | Added support TCF-LEO |
| Added support for setting configuration through webpages | ||
| 2.1.2 | 2017/5/04 | Added support for WiFi scanning |
| WiFi webpages now support long travel focusers | ||
| WiFi webpages now support reverse | ||
| 2.1.1 | 2017/4/25 | Speed boost for the Optec FastFocus Focusers |
| 2.1.0 | 2017/4/12 | Added dynamic ramping to focuser motor speeds |
| Major improvements to Hand Control response times | ||
| 2.0.2 | 2016/8/25 | Added support for Meade DirectSync Focusers. |
| New TCP/IP code to improve connectivity over Ethernet | ||
| 2.0.1 | 2016/7/12 | Minor bug fixes and version sync |
| 2.0.0 | 2015/9/11 | Increased focuser maximum movement range to 999,999 steps |
| Added user defined focuser ranges | ||
| Updated temp comp for homing focusers | ||
| Updated movement speeds for hand controllers | ||
| Added reverse for keypads | ||
| Added the Posidrive focuser | ||
| Added memory checksums and error recovery | ||
| Added detection and message for keypad use | ||
| Updated focuser control webpages | ||
| Added user defined step sizes | ||
| FW, wifi FW, web pages and commander all synced to version 2.0.0 |
LSI Firmware
Firmware for the LSI 2" and 3" focusers.
- Latest Release: 3.0.2
- Release Date: 2021/07/29
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0.2 | 2021/07/29 | Added Home On Start flag to Focuser Config |
| 3.0.1 | 2021/07/07 | Fixed an issue with Temp Comp not working correctly |
| 3.0.0 | 2020/06/04 | First Release |
ThirdLynx Firmware
Firmware for the Optec ThirdLynx line of focusers.
- Latest Release: 3.0.3
- Release Date: 2022/12/21
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0.3 | 2022/12/21 | Correct temperature compensation bug for negative temps. |
| 3.0.2 | 2020/10/27 | Added support for Radian focusers |
| 3.0.1 | 2020/02/25 | Added support for power check LED |
| 3.0.0 | 2019/06/19 | Main release. |
FocusLynx Hand Controller Firmware
Firmware that runs on the Optec Hand Controller
- Latest Release: 1.3.0
- Release Date: 2018/1/29
- Documentation
~Archived Downloads~
| Version | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1.3.0 | 2018/1/29 | Added support for hiding menus |
| Added support for storing and retrieving settings from the hub | ||
| Fixed issue with blinking Temperature readout | ||
| Added Home option for Optec focusers | ||
| Added new message if syncing without a device type set. | ||
| Now sends firmware version to hub | ||
| Fixed issue where the position was being requested significantly faster than intended | ||
| 1.2.5 | 2017/5/04 | Added support for rotary encoders |
| Fixed menu jumping | ||
| Speed up transaction speed |